Aston Martin has released three more images of its Toyota iQ-based microcar, the Cygnet. Although it still officially wears the ‘concept' label, the Cygnet forms part of the company's plan to lower its overall fleet carbon dioxide output in the face of tightening emissions regulations.

The front three-quarter view of the car shows such signature Aston styling cues as that trapezoidal grille, the wing vents with their chrome bars and even a couple of bonnet vents á la Vantage V12. The rear also sports the firm's distinctive tail lamp cut-outs in a stylistic nod to the DBS.

Despite the go-faster theme that the exterior has undergone, the Cygnet will not see any major changes taking place under the bonnet. Power is likely to come from either a 1,0-litre three-cylinder engine developing 50 kW or a 1,3-litre in-line four with 72 kW on tap.

While the car's exterior does little to hide its iQ origins the Toyota's Spartan interior has undergone a dramatic change in its transition into an ‘Aston'. Leather adorns almost every surface in the cabin, while such niceties as an iPhone interface and what looks like a bespoke leather carry case ensconced in the cubby space also make an appearance.

Although Aston Martin has yet to give the go-ahead for Cygnet production, there is a strong case for this unusual little addition to its portfolio. Whereas other supercar manufacturers have parent companies upon which their fleet carbon dioxide emissions can be offset (think Audi and Lamborghini) Aston has to rely upon a product such as the Cygnet to score it additional Brownie points come legislation time.

Should the Cygnet go into production, we could expect to see it emerge next year with an annual production run limited to 2 000 units exclusively available to existing Aston Martin customers.

 

 

Original article from Car